50 firefighters tackled a massive fire that has engulfed a Bassetlaw recycling centre.

The enormous blaze took hold at MBA Polymer on Sandy Lane in Worksop this afternoon where 500 tonnes of plastic is on fire.

A huge blaze has broken out at a recycling centre in Worksop (Image: Frankie Spowart)

People were warned to stay indoors with windows and doors closed over fears about the toxic fumes emitting from the site.

A huge plume of smoke could be seen from Retford and miles around, as far away as Mansfield, Sheffield and the M1 motorway after the fire broke out at around 2.40pm today, Tuesday, July 18.

Fire crews from Notts, Derbyshire and South Yorkshire attended. The premises were evacuated and no-one was hurt.

At about 7pm Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue reported that the incident was coming to a close but warned there could still be traffic delays.

Eye-witness Mandy Hammond was driving from her home in South Anston to Rainworth when she saw the smoke.

The 53-year-old said: “There was thick black smoke rising way up over Worksop. It could be seen for miles away.

"We saw it at Tropical Butterfly House, in North Anston.

“It’s causing utter chaos on the roads because people are still trying to go down the roads near the fire.”

Station Manager Martin Bills, who attended the incident as Hazardous Materials and Environmental Protection Officer asked people to keep their doors and windows closed.

He said earlier this afternoon: “The fire involves a large amount of rubber, hence the thick black smoke that people can see for several miles around.

"Fortunately the fire is outside of the factory, which makes it easier for us to access, and our crews are working hard to contain it and stop it from spreading.

“We are working closely with our colleagues from Derbyshire and South Yorkshire fire and rescue services, Nottinghamshire Police, the Environment Agency and Public Health England, not only to fight the fire, but to keep people informed and safe.

“I would ask anyone who lives in the vicinity to keep their doors and windows closed and to avoid the area if at all possible. I’d like to thank people for their patience while we deal with the incident.”

A spokesman from the Environment Agency said it was working alongside Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue and partners to assess the environmental impacts of the fire.

A Public Health England East Midlands spokesman said: “Residents in areas affected by the smoke should stay indoors, keep their doors and windows closed, and tune in to the local radio station for advice and information.

“Motorists who have to travel through the smoke should keep windows closed, turn off air conditioning and keep their air vents closed.

“Concentrations of substances in smoke are often below those which pose an immediate risk to health, but may still result in discomfort or temporary health effects such as coughing or a tight chest.

"These symptoms usually disappear very soon and do not lead to any long term health problems. People with asthma should carry their inhaler, and if you have any concerns about your respiratory health please seek medical advice.

"So far, there have been no reports of any people experiencing ill effects from this fire. Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service is on-site dealing with the fire and the other agencies involved will continue to monitor the situation and issue advice to the public, businesses and organisations affected as necessary.”